Lions pressure Dragons for 3-1 win
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
LEESBURG - After a week off due to the Highland County Fair, the Fairfield Lions shook off the rust early on against the West Union Dragons and proceeded to dominate possession of the ball for nearly 80 minutes in a 3-1 non-league win Tuesday at Fairfield High School.
The Lions pressured the Dragons for a majority of the game, playing keep away, and scored their first goal with 21:38 left in the opening half, when senior Sam Stauffer scored on a penalty kick for a 1-0 lead.
FHS (3-0-1) scored again in the first half with a goal from junior Nate Chamblin for a 2-0 lead. The assist was credited to senior Josh Ball.
The final FHS goal came with 38:32 left in the second half as junior Stephen Barcus scored on a direct kick.
Though FHS scored those three goals in nearly 42 minutes of game action, they had multiple shots at goal the entire game, especially in the first half, and all but twice the ball sailed in every direction but inside of the net.
"We did a good job getting the ball down and on their (WU's) side of the field," FHS coach Brian Ortlieb said. "We were getting crosses, but we just need to finish on goal. We were very aggressive on offense (Tuesday)."
WU scored a late goal after FHS senior starting keeper Brandon Carmean was replaced at with 8:35 remaining in the game. Carmean didn't allow a goal against West Union this season.
Earlier in the season, FHS defeated the Dragons, 5-0 in a Southern Hills League game.
This game, the Lions had the opportunity to play all players, giving them a chance to gain varsity experience while allowing the starters to get some rest as they play games Wednesday and Friday.
"We have to play nine games in the next three weeks, and we want to make sure we keep our legs underneath us," Ortlieb said. "(Tuesday) we got the chance to do that and the guys gained some valuable experience they will need as the season continues."
Not only was the FHS head coach pleased with the offense, but he was just as pleased with his defense.
"Our defense stood out, and overall they have played well all season," Ortlieb said. "So far this season, they have allowed just three goals in four games."
He also talked about the week-long fair break.
"The fair does affect us because it is tough to get enough players together to have a match," Ortlieb said. "We were able to have a couple of practices, but the fair does have its effect. We had some rust, but we shook it off quick."
The Lions will host league rival Peebles Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at FHS in an SHL matchup. On Friday, FHS will battle Highland County and SHL foe Lynchburg-Clay.
SCORE BY HALF
WU 0 1 — 1
FHS 2 1 — 3
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